Car rams into Russian consulate gates in Sydney, police arrest accused; video shows aftermath

A 39-year-old man has been arrested after crashing his white SUV into the gates of the Russian Consulate in Sydney’s eastern suburb of Woollahra on Monday morning (local time).

The dramatic incident, caught on camera, showed the damaged vehicle with smashed windows parked on the consulate’s lawn beside a Russian flag.

According to Sky News Australia, New South Wales Police were alerted around 8 am to reports of an “unauthorised vehicle” in the driveway of the consulate on Fullerton Street.



When officers from the Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command arrived and tried to speak to the driver, he allegedly accelerated, smashing through the gates and entering the grounds.

Video footage showed both the driver and passenger-side windows shattered. Police believe batons were used to break into the car during the confrontation.

The 39-year-old man was arrested at the scene and taken to Surry Hills Police Station, where he is assisting investigators. “A 39-year-old man was arrested and taken to Surry Hills Police Station, where he is assisting police with inquiries,” NSW Police said in a statement.

A 24-year-old police officer sustained hand injuries during the incident and was treated by paramedics.

Authorities are now investigating what caused the vehicle to ram the gates of the Consulate General of the Russian Federation.

ABC reported that police confirmed the consulate building itself did not sustain major damage. The motive behind the incident remains unclear.